Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Every year, the Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and Grammy-winning director Robert Spano put on a transcendent version of Handel’s Messiah in the Atlanta Symphony Hall. It's only performed on a few days during the month of December, so make sure you get your tickets early.

Courtesy Callaway Gardens

Callaway Gardens

Callaway Gardens draws in over 150,000 visitors every year to see the famous lights display. Their “Fantasy In Lights” is made up of more than 8 million lights in over a dozen lighted scenes, and they start getting set up as early as July. The original sets were designed by professionals from Disney’s Imagineering department, so expect a spectacular show.

Courtesy Alliance Theatre

A Christmas Carol Live Performance

If you want to enjoy some theater around the holidays without having to deal with large crowds, head to the 770-seat Alliance Theatre for its annual production of A Christmas Carol, now in its 25th season.

Courtesy Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain Christmas

For a full Christmas experience in one spot, look no further than Stone Mountain Park. There are live music performances, train rides, light shows, and a Christmas Parade, which also includes a fireworks finale. Round off your visit with hot chocolate over the fire pit.

Courtesy Opera South

Carolers at Your Doorstep

Don’t want to leave your home? Have the Christmas spirit delivered right to your door through OperaSouth. You can hire carolers dressed in old-fashioned garb, or cast a crew for your next Christmas party to provide a memorable experience for your guests.

Courtesy Avalon Center

Ice Skating Rinks

Outdoor ice skating rinks are a nostalgic throwback to Christmases past. Centennial Olympic Park offers a covered outdoor rink available throughout the season in the heart of the city. If you want to make an evening of it with dinner beforehand, Atlantic Station has a rink at the center of its outdoor shopping center, which is especially festive around the annual tree lighting. Finally, the brand new Avalon center (pictured) in Alpharetta, GA will provide a rink the size of Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.

Courtesy The Forum

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides and Hot Chestnuts

The Forum, an outdoor mall in Norcross, GA, offers a beautiful landscape of holiday decor, carriage rides, carolers, and hot chestnuts to ensure you have a thorougly Christmas experience.

Courtesy Atlanta Ballet

Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker

Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker is now in its 55th season. Artistic director John McFall preserves the traditional performance while adding a new surprise element each year. Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker uses a live orchestra and choir in the historic setting of the Fox Theatre, a former cinema.